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TRANSAT JACQUES VABRE
At 2 p.m Saturday., the starting gun was fired at by the Transat Jacques Vabre race committee, sending the 47 monohulls reeling into the English Channel. Some of the boats were early on the line but all them restarted and are now well into the race.

The doublehanders in the monohull fleet (IMOCA and Class 40) setting sails from Le Havre today to head for Bahia are going to spend around 13 days at sea- at least.

The wind is playing the girls of airsight as the high pressure positionned on the Seine Bay only provides light airs that should benefit Groupama's configuration till the Atlantic. Looking at the files Eolus will supposedly strengthen tomorrow (Monday) morning for the multihulls. The skippers have thee options to deal with this high pressure system: sail above (getting closer to the English coasts), keep the boats' bows on the most direct route or try to catch a bit of wind on its south east edge. Making the decisions on where to head for will also depend on what the weather files will showing for the descent of the Atlantic and even further on on the race course.

The rankings are changing quickly and should not be taken for granted over the next few days. Monohulls and multihulls currently are trying to find their way amid challenging weather conditions in the Channel. The crews have to deal cautiously with a high-pressure system in the Bay of Seine and beyond to avoid losing ground.The pinpoints on the map charting the race show that several options were taken overnight by the monohull skippers to get out of this trap: head northwards around the system, stay on a direct course through it, or head South in an effort to pass beneath it.

There are only 10 miles between the first and last boats of the IMOCA fleet. So far, boats of different generations are sailing together.

From yesterday and today's 4 p.m. ranking, Brit'Air (Le Cleac'h / Troussel) took a radical northern option, sailing along the British coast "above" the rest of the fleet. Between Brit'Air and the direct route, Artemis (Malbon / Tourell), Foncia (Desjoyeaux / Le Borgne) and Safran (Guillemot / Caudrelier) headed more to the west. This group is now tracking south to southeast reaching.

Groupe Bel (de Pavant / Col), Gitana Eighty (Peyron / Levaillant), Cheminees Poujoulat (Stamm / Cariou), and Generali (Elies / Audigane) were sticking closer to a direct route while VM Materiaux (Le Cam / Morvan), which was in the same pack, was heading south. Roxy (Davies / Gregoire) and Aviva (Caffari / King) were also in this group, a bit behind the newest boats but among the top 10.

Surprisingly, the fleet of 40-footers is on the heels of the Imoca 60, benefiting overnight of the turn of the tide with gusts of up to 16 knots, shifting from northeast-east. These boats are opting for a direct route and their ranking moved dramatically between noon and 4 p.m.

The 47 monohulls are now level with the tip of Brittany.The fleet is choosing among the same options and is spread between France and England with Pindar 40 (Royle / Barrier) the closest to the English coast.

The monohull fleet should expect to be caught up overnight in another high-pressure system, offering lighter winds and change in direction from east-aoutheast to west-northwest. Getting out of the Channel is going to be longer and harder in these conditions, meaning more manoeuvres overnight. The lack of sleep will increase with only short naps of 20 minutes to 1 hour

* The starting gun fired at 1:02 p.m. sharp for the start of the multihulls race. With a northerly wind of 3 knots, Brossard (Y. Bourgnon / J. Vincent) and Crepes Whaou ! (Escoffier / Fauconnier) crossed the line first in their respective categories.

Contrary to the rough conditions typical for this time of year in the area, the wind has been playing a game of hide and seek. The high-pressure system hanging over Seine Bay provided light gusts that should benefit Groupama at the start.

At 4 p.m. the ORMA fleet was at the level of Barfleur, Groupama (Cammas / S. Ravussin) leading shortly in front of Banque Populaire (Bidegorry / Y. Ravussin), Gitana 11 (Lemonchois / Guichard) 3 miles away from the leader in front of Sopra (Koch / Gendron). Brossard (Bourgnon / Vincent) was last 5.5 miles away from Groupama. The boats were showing nice average speeds of 7 to 10 knots, sailing in north-northeast wind of 10 to 12 knots.

The first 8 Class 50 were only 100 miles away from Brossard with Crepes Whaou ! leading, followed closely by Laiterie de St Malo.

www.jacques-vabre.com/fr/s01_home/s01p01_home.php

* Photos of the monohull and multihull starts from Thierry Martinez, Gilles Martin-Raget and Benoit Stichelbaut in the Eurobutt Gallery: www.scuttlebutteurope.com/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,30/

JESPER RADICH TAKES THE 16TH BERLIN MATCH RACE
The 16th Berlin mach race ended with sun and Jesper Radich as winner against the local favorite Markus Wieser.

After the 3rd round robin Radich choose Hestbaeck as opponent for the semifinal. The 2 Danish teams delivered a trilling duel, with several lead changes and spectacular mark rounding's Jesper Radich qualified for the final with a 2:1 against Michael Hestbaeck.

In the other semifinal Markus Wieser qualified for the final against Damien Iehl with a clear 2:0 victory.

After 2 days with cold temperatures the sun finally came and the several hundred spectators on the 3 large vessels with the charismatic life comments from Christoph Schumann where ready to follow the final races.

They were all decided in the prestart by Jesper Radich, Markus Wieser never gave up until the end, despite that, the final result is 3:0 for Jesper Radich.

In the petite final Damien Iehl came out as winner with 2:1 against Micheal Hestbaeck . -- Jurg Kaufmann, www.juergkaufmann.com

Final results:
1. Radich
2. Wieser
3. Iehl
4. Hestbaek
5. Lindberg
6. Ian Ainslie
7= Destremeau
7= Monnin
9= Vitloft
9= Hansen
11= Mirsky
11= Willim

matchrace.ch

THE FEATHERWEIGHT BLOCK THAT'S ALL MUSCLE
Lewmar's new, lightweight 2G Racing Blocks are 30-50% stronger than the previous generation. As an example, Lewmar's single 60mm block used to have a safe working load (SWL) of 800kg. The 60mm 2G has a SWL of 1200kg, plus weight reduction of 4g. All in all, the 2G offers the best strength-to-weight ratio within racing limits.

Find out more about the 2G series at Booth #01.361 at METS or on www.lewmar.com

A FEW BOMBSHELLS
Bertarelli may as well pack up and get out of the Cup after the absolute bombshells that have been dropped by a squirming, uncomfortable Spanish Sailing Federation who, having been the laughing stock of the entire world (apart from a certain Swiss quarter), are now desperately trying to distance themselves from the whole Cup shenanigans. It's a classic, "it's not our fault" response as they face down mounting pressure about the complete farce of the Challenger of Record..

Manuel Chirivella, acting vice-prez of the Spanish Sailing federation has finally admitted what everyone knew: "The CNEV is not a sailing club, it is a legal adjustment" that was made to introduce the Spanish challenge. "We did so because we were told to by the Valencian authorities"...Oh dear, but it gets worse as the Prez of the Sailing Federation, Gerardo Pombo, adds further fuel to the fire by commenting that 105 million euros has passed to Alinghi to secure the Cup in Valencia whilst also publicly stating that if they lose the court case in the Supreme Court then there will be an appeal...to you and me that means that the chances of seeing a Cup contest anytime in the next decade is rapidly disappearing... -- Magnus Wheatley, www.rule69blog.com

FOUR SAILING EVENTS AT YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES
The International Olympic Committee have confirmed their will be four sailing events at the first edition of the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for 2010.

A total of 100 athletes, aged between 15-16 years, will compete across the four events.

The events are:
One person dinghy men
One person dinghy women
Windsurfing men
Windsurfing women

In addition to the details already confirmed by the IOC, ISAF have proposed that the Olympic Format be used: ie. ten scheduled races and a Medal Race final for the top ten competitors. Two races would be held per day with a lay day scheduled midway through the series. Depending on the venue racing would be on slalom courses for the windsurfing events and on trapezoid courses, with a target time of 60 minutes, for the one person dinghy events.

The aim of the IOC is also to get young people involved in the officiating of the Youth Olympic Games. ISAF is fully supportive of this aim and is provisionally suggesting at least 50% of the race officials should be under the age of 30, with a possible 25% of the total number between the ages of 16-18.

The equipment for the four Youth Olympic Games events will be decided by the ISAF Executive Committee.

ISAF: sailing.org

NEW HOLMATRO POWER PACK AT METS
At METS 2007 Dutch manufacturer Holmatro Marine Equipment will introduce an extremely compact 12 – 24 V power pack for push button sailing. This low weight electric pump is quick and easy to install, and compatible with existing manually operated high-pressure hydraulic rigging systems. It enables you to upgrade to a push button controlled system with minimum effort, for maximum ease of sailing. Connected to a push button control panel with manual release the unit powers backstays, outhauls and vangs of yachts up to 50 feet almost silently. Holmatro stand at METS: 01.547.

www.holmatro-marine.com

FLEET OF 90 FOR ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is delighted to announce a larger than anticipated fleet of 90 yachts has been nominated for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2007, Australia's premier bluewater event.

Once again the heavier classic yachts from a bygone era of boat building will line up with the sleek and modern at 1pm on Wednesday 26 December when the start of the iconic yacht race will showcase Sydney Harbour to the world for the 63rd time.

One of the stand out features of this year's line up is the number of international entries, in particular the six UK entries, the largest British contingent in recent times.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart 2007 fleet will represent the USA, UK, New Zealand and Mexico as well as every Australian state and the ACT.

The first lead up regatta to the Boxing Day start will be the Rolex Trophy One Design Series from 7-9 December followed by the spectacular SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday 11 December and finally, the Rolex Trophy Rating Series, an exciting preview to the handicap form guide for the Rolex Sydney Hobart, from 13-16 December.

For the 2006 Rolex Sydney Hobart, a fleet of 87 yachts applied to enter, 78 made it to the start line on Boxing Day and 69 crossed the finish line off Hobart's historic Battery Point having completed the gruelling 628 nautical mile course.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2007 will be officially launched at the organising club, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, on the morning of Tuesday 13 November 2007 at 10.30am.

For a list of yachts applied to enter go to www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/yachts.asp?key=526

SKANDIA RETURNS TO RACING IN RUGGED RACE ACROSS BASS STRAIT
Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race yachts Skandia and Georgia from Victoria and Matangi from Tasmania sailed impressively in a rugged race across Bass Strait from Melbourne to Stanley on the north-west tip of Tasmania over the weekend.

The 152 nautical mile race is a qualifier for the Rolex Sydney Hobart and also for the Heemskirk Melbourne to Hobart race, with ten of the fleet among the 90 yacht fleet when applications to enter closed with the CYCA last Friday.

Heading the record fleet of 45 boats that set sail from Queenscliff, just inside the entrance to Port Phillip bay, at 0130 hours on Saturday morning, was Grant Wharington's 30m super maxi Skandia, one of four 30m maxis in the Sydney Hobart fleet.

While the Mornington Yacht Club-based Skandia easily took line honours to Stanley, her elapsed time of just under 16 hours was one hour and 22 minutes outside the race record.

Skandia and Georgia, the newly acquired Farr 53 of Sandringham Yacht Club members John Williams and Graeme Ainley, were the only boats to finish before midnight on Saturday.

Third to finish, in the early hours of Sunday, was Cougar II, Alan Whiteley's imported TP52, another newcomer to the Melbourne growing offshore racing fleet, and also an entrant for the Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Matangi, the sole Tasmanian yacht in the Stanley race, won on the PHD division in an impressive qualifier.

Skippered by David Stephenson, the Frers 39 again proved herself in a rugged race, sailed in rough seas and south to south-easterly headwinds that at times reached 45 knots over the course almost due south from Port Phillip to the finish at the historic seaport on the north-west tip of Tasmania.

Stephenson, one of the winning crew of the British yacht Aera in winning the 2004 Rolex Sydney Hobart, has put together a highly experienced ocean racing crew for this year race.

As the stormy weather in Bass Strait battered the fleet overnight, five yachts retired and several took shelter at Grassy, King Island. By midday today, two boats still had to reach Stanley with most finished boats sheltering until the weather abates before heading back to their home ports.

An earlier retirement soon after the start, apparently due to gear problems, was the newest Chutzpah of prominent Melbourne yachtsman Bruce Taylor, a Reichel/Pugh designed Hart 40. This was to have been her first offshore race. -- Peter Campbell

PERTH TO HOST 2011 ISAF SAILING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
At the ISAF Annual Conference, ISAF President Goran Petersson announced Perth, Australia as the host venue for the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships.

The 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships will bring together the ten Olympic sailing events and is provisionally scheduled for December 2011. The championships are expected to attract well over a thousand of the world's best sailors to Perth and be a major qualification regatta for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition.

Initially eight cities bid to host the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships, with six going through to make a presentation to the evaluation panel at the ISAF Secretariat in October 2007. The final selection of Perth as the venue for the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships was made by the ISAF Executive Committee at their meeting during the 2007 ISAF Annual Conference in Estoril, Portugal.

Phil Jones, CEO of Yachting Australia, said: "Perth offers ideal conditions and a truly unique environment and we look forward to welcoming everybody there in 2011. Western Australia has a long and successful history in hosting major events and an understanding and experience that will deliver a very professional and highly successful event. We will make sure that this is the best ISAF Sailing World Championships ever."

The 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships will be the third edition of the event. Cadiz, Spain hosted the inaugural championships in 2003, with Cascais, Portugal hosting the 2007 ISAF Sailing World Championships in July.

The final selection is subject to an early site visit and the signing of the event contract.

www.sailing.org/isafworlds

TOP OF THE TRACK, TOP OF YOUR GAME
It's 6, gusting 7 and building. The brains trust banged the layline, you trimmed a beauty and now you're hiking hard and closing on the mark. You've had 30 seconds to look back down the track, see what's what. 'Pole up, hoisting in five boatlengths!' The guy's sneaking back and you know you've got to hike big before grabbing the sheet and getting up to the windward shrouds. Not easy when you're heeling at 30 degrees. No problem with soles that corner like an F1 car. Dubarry's new Fastnet boots: grip like no other.

www.dubarry.com

QINGDAO CLINGS ONTO LEAD AS FLEET APPROACHES SOUTH AFRICA
The high pressure is certainly upon the Clipper fleet as they reported lighter winds and lower runs overnight. The top half of the fleet has compressed and Qingdao now holds the lead over New York by just 19 fragile nautical miles.

"The current conditions are causing some difficult decisions for the trio of Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper, Uniquely Singapore and Durban 2010 and Beyond," according to Race Secretary Lizzie Nicholas. "Whilst Hull & Humber and Liverpool 08 have overtaken them to the south in terms of their distance to the finish, they have been trying to make some more south themselves in preparation for the expected steadier winds," she said. Durban 2010 and Beyond Skipper Ricky Chalmers reports that his team has already managed to make some southing, despite the current fluky conditions: "We have made a strategic move south to try and get some of the better wind when the next blow comes through. Unfortunately there is a six-hour wind hole we have to negotiate first - hopefully it will be worth it. Spinnaker drop last night was interesting as it was done during a 180 degree wind shift!"

Those boats further west but further south are now mostly through the light airs and changeable conditions of the secondary high pressure, and are positioning themselves for the coming steady winds.

This is a true indication that the boats are entering southern climes. Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper's crew have written a "note to selves: never moan about being too hot again as we are now cold and wet!" and Qingdao reports 'autumn' conditions of 'cold and drizzly'. With a welcome respite in Durban ahead of them, the Clipper fleet will arrive in Fremantle, Western Australia in December where they will be looking forward to some sunshine over the festive period.

www.clipperroundtheworld.com

AU REVOIR TO THE TJV
For the first time ever, the Open 60 fleet is taking centre stage in the Transat Jacques Vabre race, eclipsing the moribund ORMA 60 trimarans. The irony is that this it will be a short-lived glory. In two years' time, the Open 60 class is deserting this great race, and its future as a classic - if it has one - will take an unexpected twist.

Huge changes are afoot in short-handed ocean racing. The Open 60s have become the premier league by virtue of a massive growth spurt. This has encouraged the IMOCA class association to flex its muscles.

From now on, instead of entering events because they already take place, IMOCA will choose the type of races skippers and sponsors want to take part in. Either an existing event meets these criteria or the class will invite organisers to create one that does.

So, out went the Velux 5 Oceans, whose race organisers skippers felt had not been listening. So, too, has the Transat Jacques Vabre, for many of the same reasons. In 2009, the class is backing a yet-to-be-arranged race round Europe.

In two year's time, the Class 40s will be the main attraction. Who could blame them if they looked at the precedent set by the Open 60s and vowed to get things done their way? -- Elaine Bunting, her full posting on her blog: www.ybw.com/yw/blog/elaine_bunting.html

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Letters are limited to 350 words. No personal attacks are permitted. We do require your name but your email address will not be published without your permission.

* From Fietje Judel: re: IRM withdrawn: Interesting to note how the RORC always does manage it to convert a negative message into a positive statement. When they now withdraw IRM because they do not get enough support from the sailors this is either a sign that the rule was a misdevelopment or that the sailors do not want that kind of rule. I think the latter is the case and RORC does confirm this with their statement that the success of IRC killed IRM. We notice in handicap racing that more and more owners of high-tec yachts are calling for low-tec rules, while interestingly owners of low tec yachts are usually quite happy with high tec rules. What is the reason for this strange development? Is it that when you have a high tec yacht you don´t like it to be beaten by a low-tec boat? Or is it that the low tec rule allow easier exploiting of loopholes.

FEATURED BROKERAGE
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Only 187 days to launch, follow the progress!

www.fg43.com

THE LAST WORD
Modern science has been a voyage into the unknown, with a lesson in humility waiting at every stop. Many passengers would rather have stayed home. -- Carl Sagan

OC Events, www.ocevents.org , organisers of two major IMOCA 60 oceanic events, the new double-handed Barcelona World Race 2007, and the original solo transocean race, The Artemis Transat 2008 (ex-OSTAR) plus the Extreme 40 Sailing Series for The iShares Cup.

www.YachtsandCruisers.com the new place to buy and sell prestige boats, the website has been designed to showcase high-end boats. People looking to buy prestige boats will be able to easily navigate their way around the site quickly. The portfolio of thousands of boats can be viewed by category, make, location and price. Alternatively the 'Advanced Search' facility will benefit those buyers who have a specific boat in mind.

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